Escape from Tarkov: Complete Ammo Guide for Patch 15 for Maximum Effectiveness

If you’ve been keeping up with Escape from Tarkov, you know how quickly the dynamics can shift with each patch. Patch 15, in particular, has turned the meta on its head, especially when it comes to ammunition. What was once easily accessible is now harder to get, and with ammo flipping and new trades making their debut, it’s more important than ever to know your bullets inside and out.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the ammo progression in Patch 15, breaking down what’s available at each stage of the game, from the early grind to mid-tier progression and beyond. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of the best ammo choices for each caliber, helping you make informed decisions as you gear up for those tense raids.

Level 1 to 13: Pre-Flea Market and Trader Limitations

At the start of the wipe, your options are severely limited. Without access to higher-tier traders or the flea market, you’re stuck with some pretty lacklustre ammo. The majority of what you can get from level one to thirteen offers minimal penetration, making it hard to punch through any Armor above Class 2. Your choices boil down to this: prioritize ammo that can either deal raw damage to unarmoured targets or aim for the highest penetration available in each caliber.

Shotguns: High Damage, Low Penetration

For shotguns, it’s often a trade-off between penetration and raw damage. Most early-game shotgun ammo doesn’t offer high penetration, but it can devastate unarmoured opponents with sheer stopping power. Buckshot rounds like 12×70 7mm and Express can make short work of legs, while the ever-reliable MP-153 and MP-133 pump-action shotguns provide decent damage output in close-range combat.

Handguns and SMGs: Early Struggles

Early on, the options for pistols and submachine guns (SMGs) are extremely limited. Rounds like the 9x18mm RG028 or 9x19mm PST Gzh might not offer great penetration, but in close-quarters engagements, they can still be deadly if aimed at the head. Ammo like 9x19mm Luger CCI deals decent damage but won’t help against armored enemies, so always aim for unprotected areas when using SMGs at this stage.

The Importance of Scav Raids

Early in the game, scav raids can make or break your loadout. With traders offering such limited ammunition, scavenging becomes essential. Whether it’s finding PS or T45M ammo for your AK, or higher-pen rounds for your SKS, scavs are your lifeline to mid-tier ammo.

545x39mm Rounds: Upgrade Through Raids

For rifles like the AK-74 series, the best you can get at this level is 5.45x39mm US rounds with 17 penetration, which is far from ideal. Thankfully, you can often find PS or PP rounds from scav enemies, both of which have far better armor-piercing capabilities. These rounds will help you hold your own in those early fights while you work your way toward better traders.

Level 14 and Beyond: Peacekeeper and Flea Market Unlocked

Hitting level 14 unlocks Peacekeeper Level 2, which is technically before the flea market opens at level 15. At this stage, you gain access to a wider variety of ammo, and with the flea market now available, you can start purchasing higher-penetration rounds like 5.56mm M855 and 7.62x39mm PS.

5.56x45mm Ammo: A Mid-Game Staple

The 5.56 caliber weapons like the M4A1 and HK416 are particularly effective in the mid-game, but only if you’re using decent ammo. M855 rounds offer 30 penetrations, which can handle most lower-level armor. However, once you hit level 15 and access the flea, you can upgrade to M856A1, which offers better penetration at 37, making it much more effective against Class 4 armor.

762x39mm Ammo: A Game Changer

The 7.62x39mm caliber, used in weapons like the AKM and SKS, becomes incredibly versatile at this stage. PS rounds, with 35 penetrations, are readily available, and you can also find PP rounds on the flea market, which push the pen up to 41, making them devastating against mid-level armor. This is one of the best calibers for balancing damage and penetration in the mid-game, making it a go-to for many players.

SMG Ammo: Finding the Right Balance

Submachine guns are fun to use but require precise ammo management. While the early game was a struggle, the mid-game opens up better choices.

9x19mm and 45 ACP: Managing Cost and Effectiveness

For 9mm SMGs like the MP5 or Vector, you can now access better rounds like 9x19mm AP 6.3 and PBP. AP 6.3 with 30 pen is relatively affordable and can punch through Class 3 armor, while PBP with 39 penetrations can handle Class 4. You might also consider the UMP 45, which uses .45 ACP AP rounds with 38 penetrations, a deadly combination when paired with the weapon’s high fire rate.

Level 20+: Accessing Top-Tier Ammo

Once you’ve pushed past level 20 and unlocked higher-level traders, you’ll start seeing some of the best ammo in the game. This is where your options really expand, and the power gap between you and newer players widens.

5.45x39mm BT and BS: Armor Shredders

For the AK-74M or AKS-74U, 5.45x39mm BT and BS rounds are now accessible. BT, with 37 penetrations, is a solid choice for most engagements, while BS rounds, boasting a whopping 51 penetration, can chew through the toughest armor. These rounds, however, come with a hefty price tag, so you’ll want to use them sparingly unless you’ve stockpiled a significant amount of cash.

7.62x54R: Long-Range Dominance

For snipers using the Mosin or SVD, the 7.62x54R caliber is your bread and butter. LPS rounds, with 42 penetrations, are an excellent all-around option, while T-46M and 7N1 rounds with 53 pen offer even better armor-piercing capabilities, making them deadly in both long-range and close-quarters combat.

Maximizing Your Workbench: Crafting Ammo

If you have the Hideout’s Workbench levelled up, crafting ammo can save you significant amounts of money and ensure you have a steady supply of high-tier rounds.

Crafting Tips: Making the Most of Your Materials

At Workbench Level 2, you can start crafting ammunition like the 9x19mm AP 6.3 and 5.45x39mm BT rounds. These crafts are relatively quick and affordable, especially if you’re short on cash. As you unlock Workbench Level 3, more advanced rounds like M855A1 and 7.62x39mm BP become available, offering incredible armor penetration for end-game raids.

Mastering the Ammo Meta

Escape from Tarkov’s ammo meta can be daunting, but with the right knowledge, you can gain a serious edge over your opponents. By focusing on penetration and damage and making smart choices based on your level and available traders, you’ll ensure that you’re always packing the best possible ammo for each situation.

Whether you’re sniping from a distance or engaging in close-quarters combat, understanding ammo progression is crucial to surviving and thriving in Tarkov. Now that you’ve got the knowledge, it’s time to stock up, load your mags, and get out there. Good luck, and see you in the raids!